I first met Sammy on our first day at Belmont University as freshman. Freshman are required to participate in Welcome Week where they go through seminars and group activities branded Belmont’s “Towering Traditions”. The groups of students are called TT groups, and Sammy & I just so happened to be assigned to the same one.

On the fifth day of welcome week, we went on the tour to see the neighborhood surrounding Belmont. I had not spoken much to Sammy at this point as I had nothing really to say and I did not want to seem awkward or creepy. On the way back, I noticed she was wearing a Def Leppard t-shirt. As a big fan of the group, I spoke up and said, “I like your t-shirt!”. That led to a whole conversation on the walk back to Belmont. I was able to get her number, and she invited me to attend a university Christian youth group call RUF the following week. I thought she was cute, so I of course went and that turned into Sunday church, cafeteria meetups, and weekend hangouts all with our friend group.

Fast forward to October 5, 2021. We had been talking for a while and shared many mutual friends. We had grown close, and our friendship seemed so easy. I walked the long walk to the UPS store to help her get her orders, she came out to go get ice cream and go bowling with my friend and I despite us not yet dating and none of her friends were going. Church every Sunday morning, RUF on Tuesday nights, and we frequently saw each other throughout the week. My freshman year roommate, James, was the only soul that knew I had a crush on Sammy. For about 2-3 weeks prior, he was hounding me to ask her out because it was evident to him, she liked me. I was resistant because my entire friend group, other than James, stemmed from her. I did not want another rejection and to have to start over with friends because our relationship was awkward.

Finally, I summoned the courage. After RUF on October 5, we had our typical group walk back to Belmont and into our dorms for the night. People ventured off to their dorms across campus till James, Sammy, Myself, and our other two friends Anna and Caroline remained. We arrived at Potter and our other friends said goodnight and left. Sammy headed off swiftly alone to her dorm next door while James and I shared a quick glance and nod letting him know I was going for it. James headed inside while I quickly made my way to Sammy before I lost another chance. I called out and stopped her, spoke for a moment and said, “I don’t really know how to do this, but here it goes”; “Sammy would you like to go on a date with me”. Surprised as heck she said, “Oh Shawn, I’d love to”. At this point I didn’t know what to do because I didn’t think I’d make it this far. So, I said “Ok, I’ll text you!”. I quite literally sprinted back to my dorm like a child and ran upstairs. I was so fast that James had just sat down and hadn’t even pulled up the drum roll on YouTube. There was an awkward stare of anticipation, then a massive hug of celebration. I didn’t sleep because I had to plan the first date which was a picnic date in Centennial Park on the 10th.

Fast forward to May 4th, 2024. I knew I wanted to marry Sammy when we came back from break in 2022. I told her I loved her on February 13th, 2022. She has been the greatest thing to ever happen to me and I know God made her for me. God has had ways of showing up in my life if I ask for a reminder of His presence when life is challenging and this time, I was starting a chapter in college, and he gave me the first week such a beautiful soul to walk through it with. We see the world the same. She makes me work harder, and she loves me for who I am. She forgets my mistakes and celebrates my victories. I know that I can trust her with my life, and when I feel that strongly about someone, they have my undying loyalty.

I bought the ring in March, and I had my parents bring it to me a day before the engagement party. I planned to propose on Star Wars Day being May 4th, because I wanted her to love that day as much as I do. I brought in the family and friends for the party at my apartment’s roof top lounge. My sister Sarah was hiding for two hours waiting for me to bring Sammy to Arrington Vineyards. That morning, I was eating lunch in my parent’s hotel room eating carry-out that Sammy’s mother, Abby, had so kindly gotten me the night before. I was resting for a moment and had what I call a spiritual experience that calmed my nerves. My family sitting beside me asked what was up and I said, “There is going to be a rainbow this afternoon”.

I got Sammy and brought her to the vineyard later that day. As soon as we got there, we noticed it was starting to rain and Sammy seemed reluctant to go as I forgot the umbrella. I got her to the barn where we enjoyed a sampler and crackers. On the way out, I stepped up upon an elevated natural area in the woods that was photogenic. Sammy was confused as I called her up. I proposed and I swear as soon as the ring touched her finger, she was the happiest she had been since we met. Sarah captured our moment perfectly, and I drove us all back to the apartment. Sammy thought we were meeting a few people for dinner, but I planned alongside with Abby, and Anna, a 30-person party. She freshened up, was met with a magical night with friends, family, and a new fiancé. Lastly, with 30 witnesses, a large rainbow streaked across the Nashville sky 5 minutes after we arrived at the party. And once more for good measure, I love Samantha Grace Pendleton.